Jan Markell

If you are expecting to hear a diatribe about the United States after reading today’s title, “The Most Important nation in History,” we might suggest you spend more time reading your Bible instead of watching television. Whatever you think of Israel these days, she is unquestionably the most important nation in the history of the world. For example, looking at world history, Genesis 12:1-3 states:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation,and I will bless you;I will make your name great,and you will be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earthwill be blessed through you.”

[Tweet “Of all the policy decisions @POTUS is faced with, none may be more important than how he supports Israel.”]

Israel was chosen by God to receive His Word and prophets, and to be the birth line of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. And as promised, after thousands of years of being scattered all around the world, God has brought the nation of Israel back to center stage for the final years of this world before the Lord returns in judgment.

Of all the policy decisions President Trump is faced with, none may be more important than how he works with and supports Israel. Joining us to discuss the state of the church in America today as well as the critical relationship between the U.S. and Israel is Jan Markell of Olive Tree Views and Understanding the Times radio.

Zechariah 12:3 became a blunt reality on December 23, 2016. This was the day the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to come against Israel. America abstained which is essentially voting with the other members. Israel and Jerusalem symbolically became the world’s burdensome stone. This was initiated and instigated by the President [Barack Obama] of the United States which means terrible repercussions are coming to this land. And Israel is further isolated and alienated as predicted.

The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him:2 “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. Zechariah 12:3

Might things change now that there is an Israel-friendly administration in the White House? We asked Jan Markell about the Trump/Netanyahu meeting at the White house and she was very encouraged. In a report from CBN News:

The news conference started out with Trump and Netanyahu talking about the relationship between the two nations. “With this visit the United States again reaffirms our unbreakable bond with our cherished ally Israel. The partnership between our two countries, built on our shared values has advanced the cause human freedom, dignity and peace. These are the building blocks of democracy,” Trump said.

“The state of Israel is a symbol of the world of resilience in the face oppression. I can think of no other state that’s gone through what they’ve gone (through), and of survival in the face of genocide. We will never forget what the Jewish people have endured,” Trump also said.

“Israel has no better ally than the United States. And, I want to assure you, the United States has no better ally than Israel,” Netanyahu said in his opening remarks.

“Our alliance has been remarkably strong. But under your leadership, I’m confident it will get even stronger. I look forward to working with you to dramatically upgrade our alliance in every field. In security, in technology, in cyber and in trade and so many others,” Netanyahu told Trump.

“I certainly welcome your forthright call to ensure that Israel is treated fairly in international forums and that the slander and boycotts of Israel are resisted mightily by the power and world position of the United States of America,” Netanyahu also said.

Obviously, not everyone in America is on Israel’s side and in fact, even some in certain denominations as well as some evangelical leaders do not back God’s people. Their focus is on the Christian church in – America?

Notes on Replacement Theology from GotQuestions.org discussed during today’s program…

Essentially teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan.

Says the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the nation of Israel.

There are different views among Christians of the relationship between the church and Israel:

Replacement theology teaches that the prophecies in Scripture concerning the blessing and restoration of Israel to the Promised Land are allegories about God’s blessing for the church.

Major problems exist with this view, such as:

The continuing existence of the Jewish people throughout the centuries and especially with the revival of the modern state of Israel.

If Israel has been condemned by God and there is no future for the Jewish nation, how do we explain the supernatural survival of the Jewish people over the past 2,000 years despite the many attempts to destroy them?

How do we explain why and how Israel reappeared as a nation in the 20th century after not existing for 1,900 years?

Contrary to replacement theology is what is called “Dispensationalism”:

The first event at this time is the tribulation (Revelation chapters 6–19). The world will be judged for rejecting Christ, while Israel is prepared through the trials of the great tribulation for the second coming of the Messiah.

Then, when Christ does return to the earth at the end of the tribulation, Israel will be ready to receive Him. The remnant of Israel who survive the tribulation will be saved, and the Lord will establish His kingdom on this earth with Jerusalem as its capital.

With Christ reigning as King, Israel will be the leading nation, and representatives from all nations will come to Jerusalem to honor and worship the King—Jesus Christ. The church will return with Christ and will reign with Him for a literal thousand years (Revelation 20:1–5).

While this may not be a salvation issue, Israel’s is an important biblical issue. Romans 11 goes into detail about God’s future plans for Israel and their current rebellion and disobedience to Him. Take some time to study it and pray.

Does God and His Word change or does man and culture change?

God said in His word that He never changes, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Referred to during the broadcast today: Psalm 138:1-2

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;before the gods I sing your praise;2 I bow down toward your holy templeand give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,for you have exalted above all thingsyour name and your word.

About The Author

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